Sports betting backer says N.J. law will be in place by next year

New Jersey voters have approved a constitutional amendment to legalize sports wagering.

But that’s just the first step in a legal process that must take place before the betting can begin.

Sen. Ray Lesniak, one of the major proponents of allowing New Jersey casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting, said Wednesday he will introduce legislation to implement it.

“I expect to have it on the governor’s desk by the end of the year. The governor will then sign it, and we’ll be back in court to declare the federal ban on sports betting unconstitutional,” Lesniak said.

A previous effort to overturn the federal ban was unsuccessful. But Lesniak said enacting a state law will improve New Jersey’s chances of getting the wagering which could provide millions of dollars in revenue.

“Since it’s just a question of law, there’s no discovery or lengthy trials, I expect by the next NFL season when the Eagles are playing the Giants, Atlantic City will be packed with people enjoying the game and betting on it as well,” he said.